The word on the street is that associates and young partners are very unhappy with the state of technology in their law firms. The results of a new survey of associate satisfaction tells us just how unhappy associates might be. Or might not be. In this episode, co-hosts Dennis Kennedy and Tom Mighell dive into the results of the 2010 American Lawyer Associates Survey, what the answers reveal about how associates view technology and technology spending at their firms, and the ramifications for firms delaying technology upgrades.

Not surprisingly, the survey indicated that associates aren’t very happy with the state of technology in large firms. One notable exception is my former law firm, Thompson Coburn, which has topped the survey for several years. I mention some of the things I like about the approach their IT Director, Phil Rightler, has on addressing the technology needs of lawyers.

We note some of our observations about the impact of this dissatisfaction (retention issues) and some of the simple efforts that produce big results in dealing with technology dissatisfaction.

My big point: you have to LISTEN to what associates are saying and understand what motivates most of the complaints – the desire to have tools to help them do their work better.

If you unpack what is being said, you will see that in many, many cases, it boils down to having inadequate collaboration tools.

Charlie Mead’s article on the survey also gives you a strong sense of two trains heading in different directions – compare the concerns of associates with the comments from management. It’s no secret that lawyers do leave big firms to start their own firms in no small part due to frustration with technology. I see technology issues becoming a serious lawyer retention issue, especially if the economy improves.

In our Q&A session, Tom and I answer a couple of questions from our audience. Thanks to those of you sending us questions, espcialy those who responded to my call forquestions on Twitter. Send them to us at any time. First, Mike McBride asks if we see a connection between the survey finding we talked about in the main segment and the growth of “Shadow IT” tools like Google Docs in firms where there is dissatisfaction with technology. Yes, we do. Second, Matt Buchanan asks about the current thinking on using an online form of client engagement letter.

Dennis Kennedy

DennisKennedy.Blog was launched on February 15, 2003.

Dennis Kennedy is one of the few technology lawyers who is also an expert on the underlying technologies. Dennis an award-winning leader in the application of technology and the Internet to the practice of law.

This site gives you access to a wide variety of Dennis Kennedy's writings and information about how you can have Dennis speak to your organization or group.

_____

Dennis Kennedy is one of the most knowledgeable legal technologists you will find. - Michael Arkfeld.

Dennis Kennedy, a lawyer and legal technology expert in St. Louis, Mo., has been a significant influence in the ever-evolving relationship between lawyers and the Web. - Robert Ambrogi